Making a dinner that's healthy for people with diabetes, and delicious enough for everyone, doesn't have to take a lot of time. These easy diabetic-friendly recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less.
65 Easy Diabetic Dinner Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes
1
/
65
Chicken Veggie Packets
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
2
/
65
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this easy diabetic-friendly one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you’d think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
3
/
65
Turkey Cabbage Stew
Chock-full of ground turkey, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes, this turkey cabbage soup delivers delicious down-home comfort on cool days. If you don’t like cabbage, replace it with chopped green peppers. Simply saute the peppers with the turkey, onion and garlic. —Susan Lasken, Woodland Hills, California
4
/
65
Chinese Chicken Spaghetti
It’s hard to believe that something that comes together this easily could be tasty and lower in fat. This Chinese spaghetti is pretty zippy, but if you like it extra spicy, increase the red pepper flakes a bit. —Jenna Noel, Glendale, Arizona
5
/
65
Pressure-Cooker Southwestern Pork and Squash Soup
I adapted a pork and squash stew recipe using tomatoes and southwestern-style seasonings. My husband and sons loved it, and the leftovers were even better the next day! Try it with fresh corn muffins. Plus, this tasty dish is diabetic-friendly. —Molly Andersen, Portland, Oregon
6
/
65
Shrimp & Corn Stir-Fry
I make this seafood stir-fry at summer’s end when my garden is producing plenty of tomatoes, squash, garlic and corn. For a quick supper, we serve it over rice. —Lindsay Honn, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
7
/
65
Quick Coq au Vin
Introduce French bistro vibes to your table with our easy coq au vin, a classic French stew you can whip up on a weeknight.
8
/
65
Chili Steak & Peppers
Bright and loaded with flavor, this makes a delicious diabetic-friendly dish you’ll be proud to serve. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
9
/
65
Sausage-Topped White Pizza
I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New Jersey
10
/
65
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
11
/
65
Feta Garbanzo Bean Salad
Greek chickpea salad is packed with nutrients and super-easy to make. It's the perfect lunch on the go.
12
/
65
Lemon Salmon with Basil
At our house we opt for healthy foods, and this lemony salmon with basil is a knockout in the good-for-you category. We have it with asparagus or zucchini. —Shanna Belz, Prineville, Oregon
13
/
65
Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
14
/
65
Loaded Mexican Pizza
My husband is a picky eater, but this healthful Mexican-style pizza has such amazing flavor that he actually looks forward to it. Leftovers taste even better the next day. —Mary Barker, Knoxville, TennesseeAlso, don’t forget to check out these diabetic Mexican food recipes that people with diabetes can enjoy.
15
/
65
Asparagus Turkey Stir-Fry
When people try this easy diabetic-friendly dish, they ask for the recipe, just as I did when I first tasted it when visiting a friend’s home. Tossed in a delicious lemon sauce, this simple skillet dish is sure to satisfy on the busiest of nights. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey. —May Evans, Corinth, Kentucky
16
/
65
Chicken & Vegetable Kabobs
In the summer, my husband and I love to cook out, especially vegetables. These kabobs not only taste delicious but look amazing, too! —Tina Oles, Nashwauk, Minnesota
17
/
65
Asian Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
18
/
65
Cod and Asparagus Bake
The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy diabetic-friendly dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you’d like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
19
/
65
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach
What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
20
/
65
Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina
21
/
65
Beef Lo Mein
This simple beef lo mein is easy to toss together with the veggies you have on hand. And since it uses spaghetti, you won't have to go searching for special noodles.
22
/
65
Busy-Day Pork Chops
It was time to use or lose some pork chops I had in the fridge, so I dressed them in bread crumbs and Parmesan and baked them up. Necessity sure is the mother of invention, and in this case I invented an amazing healthy pork chop recipe. —Dee Maltby, Wayne, Ohio
23
/
65
Broiled Cod
If you want to cook some fish but don't want the dish to taste too "fishy," this broiled cod is the answer. A marinade of Italian dressing, paprika and other spices makes this cod taste wonderful.
24
/
65
Pork and Orzo
Take a trip to a waterfront locale with protein-rich, health-minded Mediterranean pork and orzo. Tomatoes, spinach and feta add bright punches of color to the meat and pasta.
25
/
65
Sausage Zucchini Skillet
I began serving a version of this dish as a side with grilled salmon. I added sausage and rice—or noodles—to make a complete meal-in-one. —Debby Abel, Flat Rock, North Carolina
26
/
65
Cashew Chicken
This quick cashew chicken recipe is great as a weeknight timesaver that you won’t find yourself compromising on flavor. If you’ve never cooked with nuts before, prepare for a pleasant surprise. They really bring the best out of the chicken breast.
27
/
65
Green Pepper Steak
For a delicious, fast meal, try this flavorful beef dinner loaded with tomatoes and peppers. What a perfect recipe to use garden vegetables of the season! —Emmalee Thomas, Laddonia, Missouri
28
/
65
Tortilla Pie
If you want to breathe new life into taco night, tortilla pie may be the twist you need. Cheesy, zesty and saucy, this Tex-Mex take on lasagna will surely become a household favorite.
29
/
65
Balsamic-Glazed Beef Skewers
With only five easy-to-double ingredients, these mouthwatering kabobs are one of our favorite recipes. We like them with hot cooked rice and a tossed salad. To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading on the meat. —Carole Fraser, Toronto, Ontario
30
/
65
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois
31
/
65
Seared Scallops
This scallops recipe has everything you need to give these tender mollusks a golden sear. Serve them solo or with a tangle of buttery pasta for a delightful and effortless dinner.
32
/
65
Chicken Sausages with Peppers
Chicken sausage is lower in calories compared to its pork counterpart, but it doesn't skimp on the bold, savory flavors you love. Try it with sweet, crunchy bell peppers for a fast and healthy dinner. —Deborah Schaefer, Durand, Michigan
33
/
65
Baked Tilapia with Panko Bread Crumbs
Quick and easy to make and packed with flavor, this Panko crusted tilapia is a dish you'll return to again and again.
34
/
65
In-a-Pinch Chicken & Spinach
I needed a fast supper while babysitting my grandchild. I used what my daughter-in-law had in the fridge and turned it into what’s now one of our favorite chicken and spinach recipes. —Sandra Ellis, Stockbridge, Georgia
35
/
65
Turkey Curry
Turkey curry is easy to toss together, especially if you use leftover turkey and store-bought stock.
36
/
65
Baked Tilapia
Baked tilapia is easy and quick to make and very versatile. Learn how to make it here.
37
/
65
Chicken Veggie Skillet
I invented this chicken and veggie dish to use up extra mushrooms and asparagus. My husband suggested I write it down because it's a keeper. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
38
/
65
Stir-Fry Rice Bowl
My meatless version of Korean bibimbap is tasty, pretty and easy to tweak for different spice levels. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
39
/
65
Pepper Steak with Squash
Serve this colorful stir-fry with savory strips of flank steak and plenty of veggies over rice for a satisfying supper that's on the table in less than half an hour. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
40
/
65
Curry Turkey Stir-Fry
Just open the fridge and go to town making this throw-together curry. We prefer turkey, but if you like chicken, shrimp, even bean sprouts and carrots, by all means, add them. —Lauren Rush, Clark, New Jersey
41
/
65
Mediterranean Tilapia
I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio
42
/
65
Rosemary Garlic Shrimp
Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
43
/
65
Stuffed-Olive Cod
Visit the olive bar in your supermarket to put a new twist on cod in this simple high-protein, low-fat entree that’s a weeknight lifesaver. — Tria Olsen, Queen Creek, Arizona
44
/
65
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
45
/
65
Chicken Sausages with Polenta
I get a kick out of serving this chicken sausage dish—everyone's always on time for dinner when they know it's on the menu. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
46
/
65
Salmon with Spinach & White Beans
My husband, Oscar, is a Southerner at heart. This salmon with garlicky beans and spinach won him over at first bite. —Mary Ellen Hofstetter, Brentwood, Tennessee
47
/
65
Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta
Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York.
48
/
65
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
49
/
65
Spiced Salmon
This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta
50
/
65
Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet
My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California
51
/
65
Garlic-Mushroom Turkey Slices
My daughter is a picky eater, and even she likes this enticing dish! There’s minimal fat, and it’s delicious, easy and affordable for weeknight dining. —Rick Fleishman, Beverly Hills, California
52
/
65
Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad
Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
53
/
65
Naked Fish Tacos
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after they've eaten this. I serve the dish with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
54
/
65
Tilapia with Citrus Sauce
The lemon, lime and orange sauce adds zest to this flaky, delicate-flavored fish. —Francis Garland, Anniston, Alabama
55
/
65
Chicken with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
My skillet chicken with the colors and flavors of Italy is so easy. The fire-roasted tomatoes sound complicated, but all you have to do is open a can! —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
56
/
65
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
57
/
65
Cilantro Lime Shrimp
A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
58
/
65
Healthy Tuna Salad
You do not need full-fat dressing to make a great tuna fish sandwich. Learn how to make healthy tuna salad with a recipe that cuts down on calories and fat, but keeps the classic flavor (and crunch!).
59
/
65
Peppered Tuna Kabobs
When we barbecue, we like to wow our guests, so dogs and burgers are out! We make tuna skewers topped with salsa—the perfect easy recipe. My five kids like to help me put them together. —Jennifer Ingersoll, Herndon, Virginia
60
/
65
Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”
I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado
61
/
65
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
62
/
65
Pepper and Salsa Cod
After tasting a similar dish at the grocery store, my husband figured out how to make this awesome cod topped with salsa and peppers. —Robyn Gallagher, Yorktown, Virginia
63
/
65
Simple Grilled Steak Fajitas
After moving to a new state with two toddlers in tow, I came up with effortless fajitas. They make an easy weeknight meal on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet. —Shannen Mahoney, Odessa, Missouri
64
/
65
Garlic Tilapia with Spicy Kale
We make this main dish and side together, and adjust the heat from the red pepper flakes depending on who's at the table. —Tara Cruz, Kersey, Colorado
65
/
65
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
The inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, FloridaUp Next: Check out our diabetic-friendly bread recipes.